There is a strong focus on women's health in the Netherlands. The government wants to achieve structural improvements in the area of women’s and girls’ health.
Women and men are different when it comes to their health. Some health problems, such as complaints related to the menopause and menstrual problems, only affect women. There are also some conditions, such as migraines and cardiovascular disease, that affect men and women differently. In addition, women sometimes react differently to drugs and may experience more or different side effects.
When you have a health complaint in the Netherlands you see your GP first. Your GP can treat many conditions and gives advice. If additional healthcare needs to be provided, your GP will refer you to a specialist. This could be a specialist in providing care in the area of women's health, such as a midwife, obstetrician, gynaecologist or menopause consultant.
In the Netherlands, you are invited for tests that are important for women's health. These include a smear test for cervical cancer and population screening for breast cancer. They are free and can identify diseases at an early stage so you can start treatment in time.
If you work in the Netherlands, you have to take out health insurance. This insurance covers visits to a GP and hospital treatment. You might have to pay an excess for hospital care. Healthcare provided by a GP or by an obstetrician or midwife is always free. Many courses for pregnant women are also covered by basic insurance.
Healthcare during pregnancy is well-organised in the Netherlands. Support is provided by midwives, obstetricians and maternity assistants. Tests are free under your basic insurance, as is advice on nutrition and exercise. You are never alone, and both you and your baby will receive proper care.
After you have given birth, you have a right to maternity care. A maternity assistant helps you to care for your baby at home and gives you advice. Maternity care is covered by the basic health insurance, although a personal contribution is payable for each hour. Some or all of this personal contribution is reimbursed if you have supplementary insurance.
Yes. In the Netherlands you choose a GP who is based close to where you live. It is important that you register with a GP as soon as you come to live and work in the Netherlands. If you have a medical complaint, call your GP or visit thuisarts.nl. Only call the emergency number 112 if it really is an emergency.
Yes. Healthcare relating to pregnancy and childbirth is well-organised in the Netherlands. Support is provided by a maternity assistant, midwife or obstetrician. Tests are free and covered by basic insurance. You also receive advice on nutrition and exercise and caring for your baby. You have the security of knowing you are never alone. You are also entitled to maternity care during and after childbirth in the Netherlands.
Yes, help for people who cannot speak Dutch well is common in healthcare. An interpreter might be arranged, or you might bring someone with you to translate. You need to be able to understand what you are being told to ensure you get the right care and treatment.
This website uses cookies. Read more about cookies in our cookieverklaring.
These cookies never collect personal data and are necessary for the correct functioning of the website.
These cookies collect data so that we gain insight into the use and can further improve this website.
Deze cookies worden gebruikt om statistieken te meten over het gebruik van de website (bijvoorbeeld via Google Analytics, Siteimprove of Matomo) en voor externe videodiensten zoals YouTube of Vimeo. Hiervoor maken wij gebruik van diensten van derde partijen. Deze cookies worden alleen geplaatst na jouw toestemming.
Jouw keuze aanpassen? Dat kan op elk moment via de cookie-instellingen in de footer.